Description:

This study examines the food and consumer packaged goods recall practices of both U.S. manufacturers and retailers and identifies opportunities to improve recall execution.

The scope of our research focuses on the response step of the “Prevention — Intervention — Response” framework used by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its Food Protection Plan of November 2007, and specifically addresses Class I recall practices. Practices discussed in this report that trading partners can consider in their efforts to work more effectively in the event of a recall are defined within the following key steps:

• Issue identification: Identification and investigation of affected products by manufacturers.
• Recall notification: Notification to all stakeholders (customers, regulators, consumers) about a recall, its status and necessary actions.
• Product removal and destruction: Removal of a recalled product from the supply chain and complete and proper disposal of the recalled product.
• Product replacement: Shelf replenishment to ensure consumer satisfaction.
• Feedback loop: Collaborative practices and knowledge sharing internally within organizations and externally with suppliers, retail partners and third parties.